Birmingham City University (BCU) and Birmingham Botanical Gardens (BBG) have announced a new art club as part of their ongoing partnership.

The two organisations, which joined forces in 2024, will work together to provide even more opportunities for children and young people across the city after deciding to renew their strategic partnership.

As part of this, they will co-develop a National Saturday Art Club at the gardens, giving young people access to creative, nature-inspired learning each week. They will also launch wellbeing, arts and nature activities, with sessions specifically designed to engage diverse communities.

The new agreement reaffirms BCU as BBG’s Strategic Learning Partner, with Vice-Chancellor Professor David Mba continuing as Patron of the Gardens.

Professor Mba said: “This renewed partnership places young people at its heart. We are excited to create new, inspiring routes for Birmingham’s next generation to learn and thrive.”

Sara Blair-Manning, Chief Executive of BBG, said: “As one of Birmingham’s Civic Anchor Institutions, we’re proud to continue to grow our partnership with Birmingham City University, reflecting our shared ambition to use the Gardens as a living learning environment.

“Together we are creating meaningful opportunities for young, diverse people to connect nature, creativity and wellbeing in ways that feel relevant, inspiring, and accessible.”

As well as promoting community engagement and outreach, the partnership will aim to strengthen student learning and research across the creative industries, including developing activities that connect the BBG Physic Garden with BCU’s Natural Dye Garden, driving knowledge exchange and new thinking through innovative R&D.

BBG’s horticultural experts will collaborate directly with BCU learners, while both organisations explore new knowledge exchange pathways for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

BCU and BBG will also explore new research collaborations across sustainability, urban greening, industrial placements, and externally funded opportunities – projects that organisers say will benefit both the university community and the wider Birmingham city centre.

The partners will also look to create a shared learning space at the Gardens, supporting interdisciplinary student projects across Art, Design, Fashion, Jewellery, Media, Engineering, Architecture, and Built Environment.

BCU students and staff will also continue to receive complimentary access to the Gardens, extending opportunities for nature-connected wellbeing.